On Sunday night, some of the biggest names in theater gathered at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan to celebrate the Tony Awards.
From Hollywood royalty like George Clooney to Broadway legends like Audra McDonald — neither of whom won in their categories — there was no shortage of stars at this year’s awards.
There was also no shortage of fashion. On the red carpet, there were sartorial references to past Tony winners and nods to current roles, all conveyed through cloth, beadwork and color.
And, of course, it wouldn’t be live theater without at least a few costume changes.
The event’s host, Cynthia Erivo, slipped in and out of at least a half-dozen outfits before the curtain closed as she belted out a parody version of a “Dreamgirls” song in a purple sequined number. That was another homage, lest you forget, as Ms. Erivo won a Tony in 2016 for her star turn in “The Color Purple.” Showbiz — it isn’t always subtle!
Of all the stars who graced the seats of Radio City on Sunday, here are a dozen whose attire stood out among the ensemble cast.
Cole Escola: Most ’90s Nostalgia!
The “Oh, Mary!” star wore a custom ice-blue Wiederhoeft dress with a corseted waist and a lengthy train that was inspired by a gown worn by Bernadette Peters at the 1999 Tonys.
Nicole Scherzinger: Most Bleeding Love!
As Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard,” Ms. Scherzinger ends every show drenched in blood. Tonight, she was dripping in red, liquid-like sequins in a strapless gown by Rodarte.
George Clooney: Most Obligatory!
The actor, nominated for “Good Night, and Good Luck,” sported a classic tuxedo, a black and white look fitting for the star of a play adapted from a black and white film.
Lea Michele: Most Tuxed-ish!
Ms. Michele, who will return to Broadway in “Chess” this fall, wore a men’s wear-inspired, tuxedo-style halter top and a pleated Michael Kors skirt with a thigh-high slit. Checkmate!
Taylor Trensch: Most Thigh Forward!
In a black Thom Browne suit with shorts rather than pants, the “Floyd Collins” nominee showed a little leg … and some calf-high socks and matching black and white brogues.
Auliʻi Cravalho: Most Sunnyside Up!
Serving yolk in an orange and pink, strapless Carolina Herrera gown, the actress, who recently starred in “Cabaret,” brought a bright splash of color to the carpet.
Kara Young: Most Sharp!
It was a two-in-one Thom Browne look for the actress, who won best featured actress in a play for “Purpose” and shed a voluminous overskirt to reveal a svelte pencil skirt and a pair of crystal-embellished spectator pumps as she accepted her award.
Sarah Paulson: Most Drop-Waist!
“It’s a man-eating dress,” the actress said of her tea-length frock while presenting an award during the broadcast. The black velvet and cream number from Schiaparelli featured dramatic shoulder pads and a cutout in the back.
Leslie Odom Jr.: Most UV-Ray Blocking!
Before taking the stage with the original cast of “Hamilton,” the actor wore a striped suit with an oversize blazer and a cream turtleneck by the designer Fear of God.
Cynthia Erivo: Most Capacious!
It was the look that started it all — well, her series of costume changes, that is. For her first look of the night, Ms. Erivo wore Schiaparelli couture that reimagined a corset as a jacket. Most striking of all: its embroidered bodice, with a generous neckline that seemed to have roughly the dimensions of a hula hoop.
Jordan Tyson: Most Razzle-Dazzle!
As Baby June in “Gypsy,” Ms. Tyson has little reason to worry about being upstaged by her shrinking violet of an older sister — at least at first. On Sunday night, in a halter-top gown decked out in shimmering aquamarine paillettes, she was equally safe in the spotlight.
Jonathan Groff: Most Red All Over!
The actor found himself having a monochromatic moment with the red carpet in a three-piece burgundy mohair suit by Thom Browne. The regal color was reminiscent of the costume he wore during his Tony-nominated turn as King George III in “Hamilton.”
Madison Malone Kircher and Louis Lucero II contributed reporting.
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